International award for QUT prostate researcher

The discovery of a new enzyme found in men suffering prostate cancer is one of many advances that have led to Queensland University of Technology’s Professor Judith Clements being honoured with a prestigious international award.

As the first Australian to ever win the Frey - Werle Foundation Commemorative Gold Medal, Professor Clements was recognised for her outstanding contribution to knowledge of the kallikrein-kinin enzyme family and its potential for the early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

The Munich-based prize is not awarded every year and Professor Clements, from QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, keeps good company on the honour roll.

Also awarded the prize this year was the 2007 Nobel Prize in Medicine winner Oliver Smithies.

As a pioneer of research into prostate cancer, Professor Clements has spent 15 years studying hormone-related cancers such as prostate and ovarian cancers.

“One outcome of my research into prostate cancer is the identification of a new molecule called kallikrein 4 or K4, which is an enzyme found in high concentrations in men with prostate cancer,” she said.

“Our research now focuses on determining its potential to diagnose prostate cancer, monitor the progression of the disease, and determine the effectiveness of cancer treatments.”

Professor Clements said around 10,000 Australian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and more than 2500 died of the disease.

“This makes it the second largest cause of male cancer deaths in the country,” she said.

“By targeting this important area of cancer research, my team at QUT is hoping to improve the health outcomes for thousands of Australian males.”

Professor Clements said by understanding the kallikrein enzymes and their links to prostate cancer, there was now an opportunity for her research to be used to develop new tests and therapies capable of identifying and slowing down the progression of the disease.

Media contact: Rachael Wilson, QUT media officer, 07 3138 4494 or rachael.wilson@qut.edu.au.